Convertible table and tray



April 3, 1934.

W. E. LANSING CONVERTIBLE TABLE AND TRAY Filed June 22, 1933 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Inventor W.E .Lansz rzy By 5mm /1 llorney W. E. LANSING CONVERTIBLE TABLE AND TRAY April 3, 1934.

Filed June 22, 1933 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Inventor W..E' Lansing ,0 In the drawings:

Patented Apr. 3, 1934 ETED i r i iiET.i ii FFEQE 1 Claim.

This invention relates to an innovation in the form of an attachment for electric and gas ice boxes and refrigerators which because of versatile characteristics may be conveniently re- 5 ferred to as a convertible table and tray.

It goes without saying that a drop leaf table for use in conjunction with refrigerators and the like is a desirable kitchen convenience. Impressed with the need for an accessory of this 0 class I have perfected an arrangement which is in the form of an attachment and which serves not only as an article supporting table but also as a service tray.

In carrying the principles of the present inventive idea into actual practice, I have found it expedient and practicable to adopt a suitably shaped and proportioned plate equipped at its four corners with features which function as supporting legs when the device is used as a tray, as

J cushions and attaching brackets when the device is used as a drop leaf table.

Furthermore, I have conceived the idea of the use of swingably mounted supporting braces attached to a predetermined part of the plate by 5 way of spring hinges, whereby when said braces are released from their supporting lugs, they automatically swing into intimate contact with the underside of the plate to permit it to be conveniently utilized as a multiple article carrying or 0 service tray.

The gist of the invention is in the provision of an innovation of this character in the form of an attachment susceptible of rigid maintenance while in position as the table and characterized 5 by such features and advantages as make it aptly fitted for the purposes intended.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent from the following description and drawings.

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a refrigerator or ice box with the device in place and used as an article supporting table.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary edge elevational 45 view showing the erected and collapsed or folded 55' ice tray.

I call attention, first, to Figure 4 wherein it will be observed that the ice box or refrigerator is denoted by the numeral 6. At a predetermined point on one side wall thereof I provide hinge blocks or brackets 7. These blocks are sufficiently sturdy to withstand the weight supporting strain to which they are subjected. It will be observed that the hinge pin seats are undercut as indicated at S to properly sustain the hinge pins 9 on the table or tray plate 10. This plate 10, as before stated, is of suitable proportions and material and is here shown as of general rectangular form. It is to be observed that the hinge pins 9 are carried by lugs 11 of special proportions. them the additional function of supporting legs or rests when the device is used as a tray as indicated in Figure 5.

I call attention to the numerals 12 which designate rubber projections of a height corresponding to the height of the lugs 11. These projections 12 function in one instance as legs when the device is used as a tray and when the device is swung down to the dotted line position shown in Figure 2, they serve as bumpers to eliminate noise and to prevent marring of the ice box.

I next call attention to the braces or stays 13. These are in the form of arms or rods whose inner or upper ends are hingedly attached to the end portions of the plate as indicated at 14. I prefer to use a spring hinge, the spring of which is distinguished by the numeral 15. The lower free ends of these stays are adapted to rest upon supporting lugs 16 mounted in proper position on the wall of the refrigerator underneath the brackets 7. Thus, when the device is used in the capacity shown in Figures 1 to 3, inclusive, these stay arms take the position shown particularly in Figure 2. This is suficient to support the plate in table-forming relationship. Obviously, however, by disengaging the free ends of the stays from the lugs 16 the spring 15 serves to swing the stays outwardly in the direction of the arrow in Figure 2 to the out-of-the-way position shown in Figure 5. In this position, the stays do not interfere with the use of the plate as a carrying and service tray.

Particular attention is called to the use of the coordinated features 11 and 12 in that these features have double functions. In the first place, the lugs 11 constitute the carrying means for the hinge pins 9. In addition they cooperate with the projections 12 in serving as rests or legs when the device is used as a serving tray. Secondly,

These lugs are so made as to give 1 the rubber projections 12 also have the additional office of bumpers when the device is used as a drop leaf table and swung down to the dotted line position shown in Figure 2. Attention is also called to the undercut seating notches 8 in the brackets '7 to properly connect the plate to the ice box when it is used as a table. This undercut arrangement of seats prevents the pins 9 from jumping out of the brackets when weight is placed on the outer edge portion of the table. This is a safety feature. It is also to be observed that the lugs 11 are arranged. to properly match and coordinate with the brackets '7 in providing a dependable hinge connection of the plate with the refrigerator. This prevents accidental sidewise displacement of the plate. Finally, I wish to emphasize the spring hinge connection of the stays 13 with the plate which serves to swing these stays from the position shown in Figure 2 to the out-of-the-way position shown in the same figure in dotted lines and in full lines in Figure 5.

It is thought that persons skilled in the art to which this invention relates will be able to obtain a clear understanding of the invention after considering the description in connection with the drawings. Therefore, a more lengthy description is regarded as unnecessary.

Minor changes in shape, size, and rearrangement of details coming within the field of invention claimed may be resorted to in actual practice, if desired.

What is claimed is:

A structure of the class described comprising, in combination, a relatively stationary support, brackets attached thereto, said brackets having vertically extending slots therein with an undercut portion defining hinge pintle retaining seats, a plate provided on its inner edge portion with lugs provided with hinge pintles detachably connected with said seats, pivotally mounted hinge stays carried on the underneath portion of said plate and resilient means adapted to automatically swing the stays to an out-ofthe-way position against the inner side of said plate, and supporting lugs on said support with which the free end portions of said stays are engageable.

WILLIS E. LANSING. 

